Where to find the username setting

Your Spotify username lives in your account settings, not in the app itself. Open a web browser and go to www.spotify.com, then sign in with your email and password. Once you're logged in, click your profile icon in the top right corner — it's a small circle with your name or a default image. A dropdown menu will appear.

From that menu, select Account. This takes you to your account overview page. You'll see several tabs across the top: Overview, Edit Profile, Privacy Settings, and Apps. Click Edit Profile. This is where your username appears and where you can change it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must change your username through Spotify's website, not through the mobile app or desktop client.
  • Your username is different from your display name — the username is what appears in your profile URL and is used to find you on Spotify.
  • Spotify allows you to change your username once every 30 days, so choose carefully before you save.
  • After you change your username, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period.

The username field and what you can use

On the Edit Profile page, look for the field labeled Username. This is separate from your display name — your display name is what friends see, but your username is the unique identifier Spotify uses. Your username appears in your profile URL and is how people search for you.

Usernames can contain letters, numbers, and underscores only. Spaces and special characters like hyphens, periods, or @ symbols are not allowed. Spotify will tell you when ready if your chosen username breaks these rules. Your username must also be between 3 and 30 characters long. If you try something shorter or longer, Spotify will reject it.

Keep in mind that usernames are case-insensitive — JohnSmith and johnsmith are treated as the same username. Spotify will not let you register both.

Checking if a username is already taken

As you type a new username into the field, Spotify checks in real time whether it's available. If the name is taken, you'll see a red X or an error message appear below the field. If it's available, you'll see a green checkmark. This happens automatically — you don't need to click anything to check.

If your first choice is taken, try adding numbers to the end or using an underscore in the middle. For example, if alex_music is taken, you could try alex_music1 or alex_music_2024. Keep trying different combinations until you find one with a green checkmark.

Saving your new username

Once you've found an available username and it shows a green checkmark, scroll down to the bottom of the Edit Profile page. You'll see a Save button. Click it to confirm your change. Spotify will process the change when ready — you don't need to wait or refresh the page.

After you save, your new username is active right away. Your profile URL changes, and anyone searching for you will find you under the new name. The old username is released back into the pool and may become available for others to claim after a few days, though Spotify does not publish an exact timeline.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Spotify enforces a rule: you can change your username only once every 30 days. This means if you just changed your username today, you cannot change it again for 30 days from that date. If you try to change it before the 30 days are up, Spotify will show you a message telling you when you'll be able to change it next.

This rule exists to prevent people from cycling through usernames rapidly or reserving names they don't intend to use. It's worth taking a moment to think about your new username before you save, since you're locked into it for a month.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one does not stay reserved for you. After a short period — usually a few days — Spotify releases it and another user can claim it. If you think you might want to go back to an old username later, you should know that someone else may have taken it by then.

Your display name, followers, playlists, and saved songs all stay with your account. Only the username changes. Friends who follow you will still see you in their followers list, but if they try to search for you by your old username, they won't find you — they'll need to search for your new one.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see an error message that says your username contains invalid characters, double-check that you're using only letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other symbols will be rejected. If the message says your username is too short or too long, make sure it's between 3 and 30 characters.

If the Save button doesn't work or the page seems stuck, try refreshing your browser and logging back in. Sometimes a browser cache issue can prevent the page from updating properly. If you're still having trouble, try a different browser or clear your browser's cookies and cache, then log in again.

If you see a message saying you've already changed your username recently, you're within the 30-day window. You'll need to wait until that period is over before you can make another change. Spotify will show you the exact date you'll be able to change it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the Spotify app or desktop client?

No. The username change option only appears on Spotify's website. You must use a web browser and go to your account settings there. The mobile app and desktop client do not have this feature.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes, if they already follow you. Your followers list doesn't change when your username changes. However, if someone tries to search for you by your old username, they won't find you — they'll need to search for your new username or find you through your followers list.

Is my username the same as my display name?

No. Your display name is what appears on your profile and in playlists you create. Your username is the unique identifier used in your profile URL and for searching. You can change your display name anytime, but your username has the 30-day restriction.

What if I want to use a username someone else has?

You cannot claim a username that is currently in use. You can only choose from usernames that show a green checkmark, meaning they're available. If the username you want is taken, you'll need to pick a different one or wait to see if that person changes theirs in the future.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Since old usernames are released after you change them, someone else may have taken yours. If it's still available, you can change back to it, but you'll still need to wait 30 days from your last change.